Show Placings
Border Union Agricultural Society
17th Jun 2023
Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to judge Border Terriers in their spiritual home territory. My stewards, Audrey & Judith did a great job in running the class changes efficiently on a hot humid day. It was a lovely entry, with many exhibits that I had not judged before – thank you all. I found some exhibits which could have been better prepared with attention to coat, body condition and clean teeth. A few level bites a couple of kink tails influenced placings but all dogs were entire and overall a nice group of BT’s to go over. My main winners had breed qualities that outweighed any imperfection, that in my opinion wouldn’t impact on its ability to perform its traditional work.
Best Puppy
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
Just 1 day over six months of age and one to watch as he matures, a well-proportioned boy in good double coat. He has good rear angulation and moved out well both ways driving forward keeping his top-line with a well set on tail. His poise and accuracy on the move plus condition and turn out resulted in him not only winning this class but also going on to be best puppy in breed.
Class Critique
All three are quality puppies that are just setting out and although a bit silly at times I prefer to see this animation at this stage, schooling and focus will come with age.
Blackpool & District Canine Society
25th Jun 2023
Judge: Mrs Jayne Gillam (Orenberg)
Many thanks to the officers and committee for inviting me to judge Border Terriers at Blackpool & District Canine Society Championship show. Grateful thanks must go to my very efficient steward Gisela Duran who did an excellent job in making sure everything ran like clockwork. Finally thank you to the exhibitors for giving me such an excellent entry of 142 dogs making 183 entries, the largest entry across all breeds on the day. It really was a privilege to go over such a large entry of dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
The size of dogs has always been a perennial topic, but I was pleased to say overall, many of the dogs were of correct size on this occasion, with very few oversized dogs and only the odd one or two I couldn’t span. Bites were good and only an odd one with teeth out of line, although a few had broken teeth, quite a few had dirty teeth and some had small teeth which is something I really don’t like to see on, essentially a working terrier. It was good to find some really lovely tails, with not too many long thin, spindly tails we have seen in the past, although I was surprised to find four kinked tails in the entry.
Overall I thought it was a good entry, I found some quality exhibits and I was very pleased with my winners, and in particular will watch the progress of my puppy and junior placings with interest.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
The Northern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
15th Jul 2023
Judge: Mr David Fryer (Irton)
My thanks to the Club for trusting me with a fine entry of dogs at this, one of my favourite shows; to my stewards for their understated efficiency which kept the show rolling; and to the exhibitors for the opportunity to go over their dogs, and for the sporting acceptance of my decisions.
The Border Terrier Breed Standard is a very brief document; as such, it needs some interpretation. The clue is in the first clause of it; ‘Essentially a working terrier’. This, together with a knowledge of the work the breed is traditionally expected to perform, gives an idea of the dog required. Thus we need a dog which can keep with the hunt over rough moorland country in what may be inclement weather, and then be able to go to ground and bolt or hold it’s own to a cornered fox. This implies sound, efficient movement, adequate heart and lung room, a weatherproof double coat and a thick, pliable pelt; but at the same time be small enough and flexible enough to follow a fox to ground .
Overall, I found most exhibits to be sound, and well presented (sometimes ‘overpresented’ to the extent that coats had more appearance than substance). The most prevalent fault I observed was untidy, converging front movement; an inevitable consequence of short upper arm and upright fronts. I did also find a few faulty bites; one undershot, one youngster with a lower incisor seriously out of line; and several with level bites, which, though permitted in the standard, are not (to my mind) desirable; also undesirable to me were the number of exhibits with small teeth in weak forefaces. There were also a couple of ‘winter noses’, but that, to me, is a purely cosmetic point and not to be penalised. All males were entire.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
7 mo, very narrow in front, head to come, ribs carried well back, coat needs time but shows promise,
Novice - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
1st in MPD
Minehead & District Canine Society Open Show
26th Jul 2023
Judge: Anne Speake
I would like to thank the officers and committee for the kind invitation to judge some of the terrier breeds at this well run show, set in the beautiful setting of Dunster Castle. My thanks to my two excellent stewards Mel & Vera for keeping the ring running smoothly. A special thank you to all the exhibitors who gave me such a lovely quality entry of dogs over all the breeds to judge, making for some difficult decisions in some classes.
Special Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
a promising well presented g/t dog of 7 months who has a good head, strong muzzle and dark eye, ears a little large at this stage, but head still developing, good reach of neck. Lovely narrow front, ribs carried well back, easily spanned. Moved out well on small neat feet, holding his topline on the move, unlucky to meet first today. Liked him a lot
Class Critique
What a lovely class to start the day, some lovely youngsters who I’m sure will change places many times in the future
Paignton Championship Show
5th Aug 2023
Judge: Colin Powell (Bowtman)
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
Not as mature as my first place but of type, pleasing head and expression, ample body for age, good hind quarters and tail set, handled and moved well
Bournemouth CS Open Show
11th Aug 2023
Judge: Mrs Hilary Male (Malenbrook)
Junior /
Reserve
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Bournemouth Championship Show
13th Aug 2023
Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
My thanks go to the committee of Bournemouth Championship Show for inviting me to award tickets for the first time, it was a very special day.
Special thanks to my stewards Gentle Lowe and Brian Aubrey for doing such a sterling job, allowing me to focus on the task in hand.
I was delighted with the entry that awaited me, a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the privilege to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and the sporting way they accepted my decisions, on the whole by most exhibitors.
I was told many years ago, by someone well respected in the breed to judge with the hands, not with the eyes, never did this ring true as today. Some dogs I have admired from the ringside, didn’t live up to expectations, whilst others that hadn’t previously caught my eye, surprised me and did.
Being the daughter of a hunt terrier man I could get no better grounding in the requirements of an earth dog, these were the days long before quad bikes, terriers would be expected to be on their feet from the moment hounds drew off until close of the hunting day, working in landscapes not dissimilar to that of that hunt the breed first originated from.
l tried to look subjectively at the exhibit before me to see if they had the confirmation and condition to undertake such duties. I was surprised how quite a number were difficult to span and far too deep in chest and too wide in front and came up heavy, lacking the narrowness to go to ground, a distinct disadvantage in the working arena, legs bend, chests don’t.
I was finding rear movement was better than front, but more than a few lacked the drive that I looked for with elevated front action that indicates an upper arm that is shorter than ideal.
I look to see feet that are tight with a good thick pad so vital in an earth dog, many were lacking in this important trait.
I found temperaments superb throughout the day, dentition was questionable on several exhibits and all dogs entire.
A plea to exhibitors if you bait them on the table, that is fine if they look hypnotically at the treat, but on several occasions, owners were wrestling with their dogs trying to get at the treat, making it difficult to assess them.
I am always mindful to judge fit for function, and I was happy that my winners fitted that bill and all sporting decent jackets and pelts and meeting my interpretation of the breed standard.
I was delighted to see my BOB going on to third in the terrier group and my BP winning the terrier puppy group.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
The Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
19th Aug 2023
Judge: Jane Morton Shaw (Fehmarn)
I would like to thank the WKC committee for inviting me to judge at this lovely show. It was very well organised with a super friendly atmosphere.
Thank you to all the exhibitors for your entry & accepting my decisions so graciously.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day, but I have to apologise for the late start! I’m always super early for everything, and had arrived on the showground by 8am. Unfortunately my watch battery ran out at 8.20 and I was mortified when I realised it had stopped and to find out that the time was 9.35!!!
I was very pleased to see my BOB, BPIB & BVIB shortlisted in their groups, with Veteran going on to Group 3.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
A lovely puppy with narrow body lines, well laid back rib, good bite & length of neck. Movement in front a bit close & was a little unsettled on the move, but a promising puppy
Newton Abbot & South Devon CS Open Show
26th Aug 2023
Judge: Beverly Deacon (Cassencarrie)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Post Graduate /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
City of Birmingham Championship Show
2nd Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs K Wilkinson (Otterkin)
Thank you to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge this show, for the very large ring provided to the breed and to all the exhibitors who entered under me – I was very pleased with the overall quality of the entry of 122 dogs making 144 entries in these days of falling entries, with very few absentees (16 from “new dogs” by my count).
The ring stewards did an excellent job of keeping everything running smoothly – so thank you to John Gardner and Ken Francis.
I would like to send my best wishes to Anna Duxbury (Ridgebow) who had initially been under contract to judge this as her very first Championship Show. Having seen Anna judge at the Border Terrier Club’s Open show in February 2022, I know she is a very experienced and knowledgeable judge as well as an excellent breeder and hope in time that she is able to take on another Championship Show appointment in the future. I had originally been invited to judge this show in 2024 and had sent my acceptance letter, but when the Secretary contacted me, I agreed to bring forward the appointment to 2023.
I have taken the name/s of the owner/s and the dogs’ names direct from the catalogue. Some may have other owners or Kennel Names added, or awards such as Ch or JW added now, but I must use the details from the catalogue.
*Handlers* – please do not stuff food/tubes of treats into your dogs’ mouths just before the judge needs to look at their dentition. Those who stood behind their dogs and held the lead, I had no problem examining their dogs’ mouths, but a small number of others who were stuffing food into their dog’s mouth as I approached, once they moved away, some dogs were up on their hind legs trying to get more food/treats from you. I had to examine the rest of the dog then come back and look in the mouth again when the dogs were not fidgeting about looking for food. If you are doing it to avoid the dentition being checked, it won’t work as a judge will just come back to it!
It was quite hot in the hall. Kudos to all the dogs as they were not put off by the noise made when judge and/or handler stood on whatever was under the carpet making a “clunk” noise. I found when spanning dogs, almost all of them were hot underneath. Never felt that before, even when judging in 90 degree heat outside in America, so just be aware that your dog may be getting overheated.
Minor Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
Liked this grizzle and tan 8 month old puppy as soon as he came into the ring. Lovely length of body and moved very well for a youngster. Lovely otter head and a good reach of neck. Tail well set on.
North Devon CA Open Show
9th Sep 2023
Judge: Poppy Wynter
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Bluebabel Border Song
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Exeter & County Canine Society Open Show
16th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs V Atkinson (Raedwulf)
Best Puppy
Name at show: TPG3, Bluebabel Border Song
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Stafford & District Canine Society Open Show
23rd Sep 2023
Judge: Miss G Lowe (Rockslade)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at their show for my first judging appointment. The show was well run, friendly and I received a warm welcome upon arrival. I would also like to thank all those who entered under me especially in the current climate with travelling costs.. A big thank you to my very capable steward Richard Wright for ensuring that the ring ran well.
I was pleased with my entry and there were some quality exbibits in attendance. I did find a number of exhibits to be short on undercoat and one untidy mouth. Some long nails and dirty teeth which need addressing.
Puppy /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
Another smart 9 month old Grizzle puppy who was well presented and showed well. Good for head, scissor bite with a dark eye and pleasing expression. Harsh outer jacket but I would have liked more undercoat. Straight front set on small feet with thick pads and good for bone. Narrow throughout, good topline and tail set. Lovely size, easy span and moved out well. Another promising puppy who was unlucky to meet winner today.
Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cheshire Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Sep 2023
Judge: Mrs J Guvercin (Glebeheath)
Thank you to the committee for this appointment, everyone worked hard to make it an enjoyable day. This venue always has a super atmosphere, however, the ring is too small really to see outlines, being far too near the dogs and side profile movement is very difficult to see, let alone for the dogs to perform really well. Many moved poorly, not liking the smooth mats and although I had to judge them on this today, I think most would move much better outside in a big grass ring.
Puppy - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
lovely headed dog of good size and type, coat and pelt. Dark eye, well set and big teeth in a strong jaw. Not quite the overall conformation of 1 hence he couldn’t match him on the move but still a nice border who was well presented.
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2023
Judge: Mr W Shorthose (Cundytyke)
I think hind movement has generally improved though the same cannot be said for fronts. Most were shown in good coat and only one exhibit was clearly of poor temperament.
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
Narrow with good shape to ribcage, spannable. Good head with short muzzle. Needs to tighten feet.
Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
22nd Oct 2023
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
My thanks to the committee for the opportunity to judge a lovely quality entry of Border Terriers. This is a friendly and welcoming show and I was ably assisted by a super Steward who kept the ring running smoothly and efficiently.
The acoustics of the building today did have a detrimental effect on some of the exhibits; but of course, it is impossible to find a perfect space for every dog to show themselves at their best.
As mentioned I was honoured to have a super selection of Borders to go over today; especially the Puppy class where many were exhibiting for the first time.
I found all male dogs intact, and no kinked tails and one wry mouth. Coats were in all stages of growth today, and a few lacked a good visible covering of undercoat which naturally affected placings. Temperaments were all excellent and the ‘glint ‘ in the eye that I would like to see- inquisitive and game that looked ready for a day‘s work, which in turn reflected in their positive movement- was pleasingly there with all my main line up; as was the ‘stamp’ of the breed the otter- like head with correct proportions in the head to allow the powerful jaws to do their job, whilst standing on- most importantly, small thickly padded cat-like feet.
Best Puppy
Name at show: BPIS, Bluebabel Border Song
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
10-month-old G & T dog with a super otter-like head with dark keen expression, strong muzzle and large teeth. Narrow throughout and presented in a great thick coat and with a good loose pelt. Loved his underline and topline that flowed from straight legs and correct feet with a good width at brisket and correspondingly correct proportions between withers to allow good reach, and then through his strong loin to his rear assembly. Good turn of stifle and well let down hocks and second thigh enabled him to move efficiently and with purpose around the ring. I was pleased to award him Best Puppy in Breed – He also continued on to be placed 1st. in Puppy Stakes and then to complete his day Best Puppy in Show from a full line up- Congratulations!
Minehead & District Canine Society Open Show
5th Nov 2023
Judge: Bethany Cawley (Marlablue)
Best Puppy
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Puppy /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
East Anglia Border Terrier Club Open Show
18th Nov 2023
Judge: Libby Tanton-Joy (Itsaso)
I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to Judge their Open show, and all exhibitors that entered. I had a lovely entry with some quality dogs to go over. All placing’s were accepted with grace. Many thanks to both my stewards who kept the ring moving. The show had a lovely atmosphere and I enjoyed my day
Best Puppy - Dog
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
Smart 11 month old grizzle and tan with lots to like. Good head with strong jaw and correct bite, dark eye with a keen expression and small neat ears. Good reach of neck into a laid back shoulder. Good lay of rib which was easily spanned. Level topline which he held well on the move. Presented in good coat and condition he moved well when settled.
Ladies Kennel Association
8th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Ken Bartlett (Dwilencia)
Puppy - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
Good head and short muzzle, clean in neck and shoulder placement, well set tail in good coat, moved well both ways
Stourbridge & DCS Open Show
27th Dec 2023
Judge: Mr Martin Saunders (Castellcoch)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Taunton & DCA Open Show
6th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr N Merrick (Magicgem)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Yearling /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Litchfield CS Open Show
7th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr John Finney (Sanguliano)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Wiveliscombe DCS Open Show
14th Jan 2024
Judge: Marion Hodgson (Ddalrus)
Junior /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Manchester Championship Show
20th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Richard Allen (Penparc)
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
A little unsettled on the table but he was better on the floor, typical all through, correct size, in good coat and condition, thick pelt, dark eye, good bone, legs and feet, moved steadily.
Newton Abbot & South Devon CS Open Show
27th Jan 2024
Judge: Mr Laurie Hunt (Setthornes)
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Ilfracombe & DCS Open Show
10th Feb 2024
Judge: Matt Garnham (Carmeltcho)
Special Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
The Terrier Club of South Wales Open Show
11th Feb 2024
Judge: Sarah Pateman (Lessien)
First, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge my breed the Border Terrier, then the Irish Terrier and all the handling classes.
This show was so friendly, and I was looked after from the minute I arrived till the moment I left.
Thank you, Tina Jones, for the delicious food and Richard Wright for being my steward for all my judging classes including the Irish Terriers and all the handling classes.
What an amazing entry I had although a few absentees the class of dogs present were of good quality, and I am very grateful to all exhibitors who entrusted in me to go over their dogs and accepting my decisions on the day
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
West Midlands Terrier Society Open Show
17th Feb 2024
Judge: Mr Matt Smith (Alncroft)
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Torquay & DCS Open Show
24th Feb 2024
Judge: Mrs S Anderson (Kerrykeel)
Post Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
3rd Mar 2024
Judge: Miss Nicola Foster (Thozow)
It was a great honour to be invited to Judge a Border Terrier Club Open show so I would like to thank the Southern Club for this opportunity. It was a day I had been looking forward too, so I would also like to thank the exhibitors for their entries, allowing me to access their dogs and for accepting my decisions. I was most grateful to my stewards Sian McKay & Marina Fleming who kept the ring running efficiently, and also live streamed the challenges and BIS.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
This dog has a strong masculine head with a well filled muzzle, correct scissor bite. He has a straight front with tight feet, his neck is muscular and long enough, ribs are carried well back, spannable, and strong in loin. Good tail set, thick pelt and a lovely double coat. Moved well.
Crufts
10th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lesley Gosling (Akinside)
A tremendous entry of 275 Borders ( 25 absentees on the day)to enjoy handling, judging and placing. I must extend my appreciation to my two valiant stewards for their patience and skill in keeping classes moving. Thank you all.
I do believe our breed is changing, but in subtle ways. The lack of opportunities for true terrier work below ground for some Borders has been replaced by agility and other energetic pursuits, but lack of hard muscle tone has produced a ‘softer’ body on some exhibits. Some feet are slacker, pads are more spread and thinner and some fronts are wide. Movement is not always positive and a ‘driving’ action is lacking. Size is fluctuating too. We have a ‘working’ breed - let’s ensure that features defining the breed are not lost, i.e. ‘spannability’; a hard, harsh top coat and soft protective undercoat (not enough of those today); a dark, expressive eye, a broad skull and strong quarters – ‘the engine is at the back!’. Heads generally were good, but some bitch heads veered towards coarseness.
One thing not lost is the Border’s kind temperament – curious, interested and ready for anything.
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
The Border Terrier Club Championship Show
30th Mar 2024
Judge: Mrs Lynda Ward (Roundtown)
It was an honour to be invited to judge this, our parent club’s show. My thanks to the committee who ran such a lovely event with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. My judge’s gift is much appreciated and will be a treasured momento of the day.
My superstar stewards, Janice Johnson and Liz Barrett, worked hard and unobtrusively whilst keeping the classes moving smoothly over a long day – well done ladies.
Many thanks of course to the exhibitors who made the journey on a major bank holiday weekend giving a large and quality entry of 190 dogs making 229 entries plus 10 NFC.
I had some lovely sound and typical Borders to go over and, had I had them, I would have had no qualms in awarding 4 dog tickets and 5 bitch tickets.
Unfortunately there are always downsides in a big entry and today size was an issue with some overly large exhibits who were not spannable and very heavily built.
There were a number of youngsters which were obviously unused to having their mouths examined and more practice in a calm atmosphere would help to make them comfortable and avoid stress for them and their handlers.
Ears need watching as some were quite large and spoiled the head.
Sadly, as in the past I must complain about long tails. Tails are an integral aspect of the overall picture of a typical Border outline and long is simply wrong. Our breed standard is spartan compared to many others but for tails the description is clear and begins with, “Moderately short; fairly thick at base, then tapering.” Hopefully the issue will be addressed before the untypical becomes the norm.
On a positive note …
Feet were overall small and thickly padded although some would benefit from trimming and shorter nails.
There was a good number of lovely otter-like heads of correct proportions with well placed dark eyes and a keen expression.
As is usual these days coat presentation was generally good and today there were plenty of dense coats of correct texture and thick skins.
Do I think the quality shown in this entry bodes well for the breed? Yes.
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
Like his size and moderate angulation. An easy span and in good coat.
Special Beginners - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
1st in JD
National Terrier Club
6th Apr 2024
Judge: Miss Elspeth Jackson (Clipstone)
Thanks to the National Terrier Club for their invitation to judge at this prestigious show and to the exhibitors who did me the honour of judging their dogs. I was lucky to have two efficient stewards who kept things running smoothly, thank you Laura and Dave.
The entry showed a good depth of quality. In many classes the places were hotly contested with decisions needing to be made on the narrowest of margins. I was very pleased to find that there were some good coats on thick pelts and the nice thick short tails which set off a good border so well.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
Masculine youngster with good body proportions, spanned well with ribs carried laid well back giving him a good topline. Pleasing otter head with strong broad muzzle. His coat needs to come.
Pontypool & DCS Open Show
21st Apr 2024
Judge: Mr T Harrison (Glenbrows)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: TG2, Bluebabel Border Song
Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Open /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
26th Apr 2024
Judge: Mandy Holmes (Bimandi)
Many Thanks to WELKS for asking me to judge at their show, it was an honour, also thank you so much to everyone that entered under me, I had some great dogs to go over. Congratulation to all my winners. Thanks also go to my very competent stewards for keeping my ring running smoothly.
All the males were entire. Apart from 3 level bites all mouths were correct and teeth of good size. Temperaments were all sound except one or two that really didn’t like being in the noisy hall and were a little bit subdued. It’s hard to judge true movement on a slippery concrete floor and in some classes the placings could have changed if we had been outside on grass.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
Another nicely put together youngster, bigger than 1st but still balanced. Excellent coat and pelt. Ribs well back. Moved with rear drive, needs to tighten up in front.
Oakhampton & DCS Open Show
4th May 2024
Judge: Lee Cox (Vanitonia)
Best Of Breed
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Post Graduate /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Yeovil & District Canine Society Open Show
5th May 2024
Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
Firstly, my thanks, as ever, goes to the committee and helpers of the shows whose efforts cannot be underestimated. Today it was the turn of Yeovil and District Canine Society whose sterling efforts despite the persistent and often heavy downpour,resulted in a well-run show with ever helpful and smiling faces- Bravo! Secondly my appreciation to Jan Russell de Clifford whose stalwart efforts as steward in our ring for the whole (freezing) day resulted in an efficient and well run ring. My thanks must also go to the exhibitors who primarily turned up on the most inclement of days, and accepted my decisions with good grace and not a little humour as the heavens opened.
The wind and rain did influence the performance of many of the exhibits unfortunately; but some rose to the challenge, and several were simply oblivious to it. Coats, as ever, were in various stages of growth; some great movement noted in many of the exhibits; all teeth clean and with correct bites and no kinked tails to note; feet on the whole were tidy and correct.
Graduate /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Marlborough & DCS Premier Open Show
6th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Spafford (Dassett)
Firstly, I would like to thank the organisers of the show for the warm welcome and hospitality. I had some lovely dogs to go over.
Special Yearling /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
Lovely masculine head, good top line, ribs well laid back, good angulation, moved well.
National Dog Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mr Patrick Glover (USA)
I wanted to thank the committee for the honour of judging your show. I sincerely apologize for the delay of the critique due to ill health. Coming from another country it was especially grateful to have such excellent Stewards to help guide me. And I thank all the exhibitors that came to exhibit under me. It was a pleasure to see so many quality Borders, and have them in hand. I was very satisfied with my final lineup. I enjoyed the depth of type that you have in the UK. Part of that may be seeing Borders with a proper coat. Unfortunately, Borders in the USA are not shown in such coat anymore which I do not understand. I only saw two bad bites, and I see you are battling some of the same issues we are in the US, one being straight fronts. A good Border must have some prosternum to be constructed in a proper way where the legs are under the dog rather than in front of it. The second being is the loss of rib. Your standard states “ribs carried well back” Our standard states the same thing, only adding the word deep “deep ribs carried well back. Both proper fronts and rib are essential to a working terrier, and attention must be paid to both. Overall, I enjoyed going over so many good Borders and again I thank you for the opportunity
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
The Midland Border Terrier Club Championship Show
12th May 2024
Judge: Mrs Laura Illingworth (Thorneyhurst)
Firstly thanks to the Midland Border Terrier Club for inviting me to judge their show, and to all the exhibitors for the massive entry which would of been hard to get through without the help of my two stewards Sharon Pickering and Margaret Bailey who did there best to make sure no exhibitors missed there classes
The quality of the exhibits was exceptional, Most dogs were in fit hard condition and presented well, the old saying many good dogs went without a card was only too true, We were blessed with good weather and a nice sized ring.
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Scottish Kennel Club (Ocober)
16th May 2024
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Sorry for delay in critiques, work commitments had to take priority. Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge the October show which was brought forward in conjunction with the May show. Thank you to my two stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly, which wasn’t easy with two shows running side by side. Thank you to the Exhibitors for a lovely entry and accepting my decisions in a sportsmanlike manner. I had some difficult decisions especially in the bitch classes where I just didn’t have enough cards to hand out. Coats from last time I judged had improved and it was a pleasure to see so many in correct double coat of depth. On the whole movement was good. I did find a couple of incorrect bites and one kinked tail
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Scottish Kennel Club (May)
16th May 2024
Judge: Miss Rebecca Barber (Alcumlow)
Thank you to SKC for inviting me to judge at their show, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I was very pleased with my entry, thank you to all the exhibitors who value my opinion enough to enter their dogs under me. There were some very strong classes and some very pleasing youngsters. I was very pleased with my principle winners and I was delighted to see my BOB get shortlisted in a strong group and my BPIB get TPG3 in the puppy group. It was also an honour to make up two new well deserving champions, making it three new champions in one day over the two shows, which I believe is a new breed record.
Junior - Dog /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
Another smart youngster, shown in good jacket with thick pelt. Pleasing head, flat skull and dark eye and keen expression. Good front and rear angulation, level topline, narrow and well ribbed back. Moved out well, straight and true.
Scottish Kennel Club (Ocober)
16th May 2024
Judge: Mr. Stewart Golding (Beaconpike)
Sorry for delay in critiques, work commitments had to take priority. Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge the October show which was brought forward in conjunction with the May show. Thank you to my two stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly, which wasn’t easy with two shows running side by side. Thank you to the Exhibitors for a lovely entry and accepting my decisions in a sportsmanlike manner. I had some difficult decisions especially in the bitch classes where I just didn’t have enough cards to hand out. Coats from last time I judged had improved and it was a pleasure to see so many in correct double coat of depth. On the whole movement was good. I did find a couple of incorrect bites and one kinked tail
Junior - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
A good honest border, strong masculine head with good bite, good length of body with well set on tail, moved out well in the class but was very unsettled in the challenge. He was later awarded Best SB
Special Beginners - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
see 1st in junior
Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Premier Open Show
18th May 2024
Judge: Mr John Scanlan (Pantycelyn)
Junior /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Post Graduate /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Bath Canine Society
26th May 2024
Judge: Mr Ian Higham (Comberdown)
I would like to thank Mr. Lee Cox and the officers and committee of Bath Canine Society for making my wife and I feel so welcome at their show. Also my two amazingly competent stewards Mark and Joyce who were just brilliant at their job.
I found nothing obviously untoward or concerning, apart from, surprisingly, a few too heavy ones, which cost placings. We need to remember functionality.
In general, overall, this was an entry of terrific in-depth quality. What an absolute privilege it was to go over them. Thank you all so much!
Junior - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Southern Counties Canine Association
1st Jun 2024
Judge: Dr Ian Gabriel (Gabybryl)
This was my first-time awarding Challenge Certificates in Border Terriers and many thanks to those that entered under a non-breed specialist, and well done for braving what was a bitter wind. If this was a representative entry, then I am heartened by the general health and condition of the breed. Good coats, good pelts and super large dentition were the majority. There are some nice youngsters in the lower classes. Just two points as a non-specialist if I might be permitted, firstly the standard calls for a small ear and I found quite a few otherwise nice exhibits with large houndy ears which did somewhat detract from the overall expression. Secondly several dogs broke quite markedly at the front pastern which spoilt the overall impression on the move, these points need watching.
Special Beginners in Breed
Name at show: SBBTG3, Bluebabel Border Song
Special Beginners - Dog or Bitch /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Placing Critique
Quality dog who impressed for his overall size and proportions. Very typical head with good breadth to skull and lovely keen dark eye. Neat ears. Good length of neck into well laid shoulders. Nice front assembly and good depth to the body. Well ribbed back. Pleasing topline and set of his short tail. Moved very well fore and aft. Not in the best of jackets by any stretch of the imagination but what I was able to feel was of good harsh texture. Lack of coat was just one transient fault and this will rectify itself, so did not overlook the other qualities of this very nice specimen.
Class Critique
Some nice ones to go over at the start of the day
Junior - Dog /
Reserve
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Three Counties Agricultural Society
8th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr Eddie Houston (Earthwise)
My thanks to the Society for inviting me, to my very capable stewards, Bill and Tricia for their efficiency and helpfulness and especially to the exhibitors who afforded me the honour of going over their dogs.
The weather was kind and the ring of sufficient size to allow dogs to get into their stride.
Overall I felt that there was more quality in the bitches but was more than pleased with my main winners in both sexes. Size and front movement continue to be problems and coats were at all stages of growth-this did affect some placings. I only found one undershot bite and all males were entire. Several dogs were carrying rather too much condition but more worrying were the few who were almost painfully thin which also meant that these dogs couldn’t possibly possess the muscle needed for work. A number of dogs would benefit from more exercise to improve their muscletone.
Junior - Dog /
Very Highly Commended
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Class Critique
Good class
Chepstow & DCS Open Show
16th Jun 2024
Judge: Mr David Nightingale (Knowbury)
Junior /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song
Windsor Championship Dog Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Sandra Girling (Benattivo)
Thank you to the officers and committee of Windsor Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time at such a prestigious show. I must also thank my two very experienced stewards Bill & Trish Gray who were a great support to me with their calm, friendly and pleasant manner. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to all the exhibitors who entered their border terriers under me and accepted my decisions in a sporting manner.
The weather became very hot as the day progressed with some dogs flagging a little on the move. Fortunately we had some shade via the marquee, the grass had got quite dried out and I felt a few exhibits didn’t move as well as others on it but generally movement was better than I have observed in the past. I must also mention how disappointed I was to find so many exhibits with dirty teeth, cleaning them should be part of a dog’s care and grooming routine.
I was so delighted with my top winning border terriers that I felt had exceptional breed quality and were presented and shown to best advantage.
Many quality exhibits were in some classes down the line or unplaced due to the depth of quality present and on another day may change places.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle/tan with an attractive otter like head. He is built on narrow lines and was easily spanned, he has good angulation front and rear, his top line was firm with a well set on tail that he carried correctly on the move as he strode out well. He was presented in a good double harsh jacket to complete the picture.
The Southern Border Terrier Club Championship Show
29th Jun 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Sneddon (Kersfell)
I would like to thank the Committee for offering me this appointment, I was honoured to be given this opportunity. Thank you also to my stewards for all their hard work keeping the show running as smoothly as possible, for which I was very grateful. There were some lovely dogs present but front movement and lack of correct length and angulation of the upper arm continues to be a problem in some exhibits as well as size and correct coat . We should not forget the first line in the breed standard “essentially a working terrier”.
Yearling - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
Placing Critique
handy size 18 months grizzle with a strong otter head, short muzzle and good dentition, dark eyes with keen expression. Good angulation at both ends; narrow and easily spanned; harsh coat and good pelt. Moved very well, keeping a level topline and good tail carriage.
Newport & District Agricultural Society Open Show
13th Jul 2024
Judge: Mrs Margaret Davies (Glenorchy)
Thank you to the Society for their kind invitation to judge at their annual agricultural show, thank you also to my steward, Dave Harrison, who kept the ring running smoothly and finally the exhibitors who entered under me, thank you.
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
Placing Critique
nice dog who looked well, good head and nice dark eye and expression, good depth of muzzle, nice reach of neck flowing into good shoulders, good topline which he held on the move. Moved okay. Close decision between him and winner. Just preferred overall picture of 1.
Wiveliscombe DCS Open Show
28th Jul 2024
Judge: Mrs J. Fairweather (Ock)
Open /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
Paignton Championship Show
2nd Aug 2024
Judge: Tracey Anscombe (Orangebox)
Thank you to the officers and committee for my first-time appointment at this level. This show is my ‘local’ which made it even more special, If you have never been it is worth the trip down the M5 a warm welcome will meet you.
I was thrilled with the quality of my entry, one observation I did find a lot of untidy feet, splayed toes, long nails and thin pads, I did however find no kinked tails and only one mouth fault.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
Placing Critique
Grizzle and tan presented in fantastic condition, masculine head with correct dentation he was shown today in a good jacket with harsh topcoat and dense undercoat. Liked his lay of shoulder and front he was easy to span. I could see him following a horse all day.
Bournemouth CS Open Show
9th Aug 2024
Judge: Nicola Foster (Thozow)
Post Graduate /
Reserve
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
Bournemouth Championship Show
12th Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Wendy Mooney (Chesterton)
Thank you to my stewards, Hayley and Malcolm and to all the exhibitors who endured the heat and accepted my decisions sportingly, on what must have been one of the hottest days of the year. Overall the quality of the entry was good with some lovely dogs. Mouths, tails and size were generally good. Coats varied (as they always do) in both quality and the stage of growth. There were a number of pelts that could have been thicker and loose which was disappointing as this is mentioned in the standard and important from a working point of view. I was surprised and disappointed to see evidence of scissorwork on some coats and grooming was not always done to the dog’s best advantage – this does not affect the ability to work but this is a dog show and presentation therefore does count to a degree when placing the dogs. Compared to the last time I judged, I felt that size had improved and in most cases the dogs today were closer to the standard.
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
Placing Critique
I liked this handy-sized grizzle and tan dog in excellent coat with a good thick pelt. Level topline and his overall outline was good with a correct bend in stifle. Easily spanned. Showed and moved well. Deserved to win the class
Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
16th Aug 2024
Judge: Mr Stuart Plane
Post Graduate - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
Placing Critique
A dog of nice size with an attractive head, correct mouth, well placed ears, a touch stronger in skull perhaps, his front is well constructed and keeps his outline on the move, coat of good texture
City of Birmingham Championship Show
31st Aug 2024
Judge: Mrs Clare Sansom (Tarkaswell)
I would like to thank the officers and committee of the City of Birmingham Canine Association Championship Dog Show for the invitation to judge at this level for the first time.
With storm Lillian resulting in the abandonment of Driffield, the JBTC were also able to hold their show in an adjacent ring. Hall 3 at the Royal Kennel Club building was light, spacious and an ideal venue. A certain amount of flexibility was required when classes clashed, and I am very grateful to my experienced stewards Chris Woolner and Caroline Wise for their hard work. They were calm, efficient and kept the ring running smoothly. With their help we finished in time to ensure that all those who had won major awards could get to their groups.
My sincere thanks to all the exhibitors for giving me such a quality entry and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. We had very few absentees and I often had difficult decisions to make. In several classes, I would have liked some additional prize cards to award.
Coats did have an influence on the results, with those presented at their best, in a harsh, dense double jacket with thick pelt, being rewarded. A few exhibits would have benefitted from having their feet tidied to have achieved a neater picture. I found two kinked tails, two with incorrect dentition and all male dogs were entire.
I was delighted with my principal winners, who all fulfilled my interpretation of the breed standard on the day. It was a privilege to judge such an entry, and the lovely atmosphere, with applause and cheers for the winners, made it extra special.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Post Graduate - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
The Southern Border Terrier Club Open Show
15th Sep 2024
Judge: Mrs Sue Baxter (Mysulan/Sulan)
I must start by thanking the committee for the invitation to judge at this lovely venue. The weather was kind to us and judging was able to take place outside , a fact I know so many exhibitors enjoy. My thanks also must go to my stewards , Rachel and Rhianne Mitchell , they certainly kept things running smoothly and were a big help keeping me on track ! Thanks ladies!
As usual , my gratitude to all who gave me entries and were able to turn up on the day , all very much appreciated .
I was presented with an array of lovely specimens and some classes made for some tough decisions .Several times I wished there were more red cards to award. The standard , I found, was very good and there was quality in depth in most classes. All males were intact , I found no kinked tails and most mouths were acceptable , coats , as usual , were in differing stages of growth and texture . All were spannable.
Limit - Dog /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
Placing Critique
Handy sized boy well put together , good proportions. Pleasant head piece with good set of sizable teeth.Nice length of neck which transitions into narrow front with correct depth of brisket .. Angles fore and aft are good which allowed for an effective , ground covering stride. . Well shown and presented.
South Wales Kennel Association
13th Oct 2024
Judge: Mrs Trudi Baird (Dowgri)
I was honoured to accept SWKA's invitation to judge at their championship dog show where I received a warm welcome,even on cold day!
A Big applause to my two fabulous stewards ( I’m so sorry I forgot to make a note of your names – you were so appreciated by myself and the exhibitors)
It was such a very cold day inside the halls ,though myself being on my feet continuously moving,I kept warm.Unsurprisingly some dogs were feeling the chill and shivering on the table which showed how cold it was.
I was honoured and humbled to have such a fabulous entry both numerically and in quality, especially the limit & Open dog classes where I can quite rightly use the old cliche “I wish I had more cards to give out “, it's unfortunate when you have to let some dogs go unplaced that had great appeal, but such was the quality today .
Before my journey back to Cornwall that day I managed to stay and watch the groups where both the BoB & BPIB gave fantastic accounts of themselves, the exciting puppy gaining PGrp 1, he went back for the final day to go all the way to BPIS.
We were sadly unfortunate to have a large Terrier breed crated close by who's owners seemed unaware of the their unattended dogs behaviour ,every time human or dog traffic went by it caused them to “ kick off “frequently .This isn't fair on dogs on the table being examined or dogs on the move, therefore I had to stop judging twice until attempts to quieten the offending dogs were made.
A few points of note were-
A small handful of youngsters lacked body condition, I could feel ribs with no covering teamed with thin pelts. I believe diet & exercise comes into play here so consider what & how much you’re feeding , plus good exercise regime
Mouths were disappointing ,some with very small teeth & more untidy bites than I've encountered in the past.
Movement was ok in the main though it let down some otherwise beautiful exhibits who looked a picture stood but sadly fell apart on the move, we had the odd flicking out front foot , plaiting fronts, crabbing , wide rears & some loosing their top lines.
Lastly a plea – it would help immensely if exhibitors didn’t use excess bait on the table while a judge is trying hard to get a good clear look at bites ,it meant a fight to get a proper view of the mouth while a dog is having bait pushed in or the dog is busily chewing . Holding off baiting until the judge has got past the head would be most helpful.
Limit - Dog /
Third Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
Tredegar DCS Open Show
19th Oct 2024
Judge: Miss Felicity Snook (Pitcombe)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
Terrier Club of Devon & Cornwall Open Show
20th Oct 2024
Judge: Dave Lee (Socksdown)
Limit /
First Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
Minehead & District Canine Society Open Show
3rd Nov 2024
Judge: Mrs Eileen Cole (Towden)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
Port Talbot & Neath CS Open Show
10th Nov 2024
Judge: David Bell (Balintyne)
Open /
Second Place
Name at show: Bluebabel Border Song JW
